The Liberia National Police (LNP) has formally charged and forwarded to court Mulbah K. Morlu, Chairman of the civil society organization STAND, and Rev. Festus R. B. Logan, Deputy Chairman, following the conclusion of investigations into violent incidents linked to the December 17, 2025 protest in Monrovia.
According to a police charge sheet issued at the headquarters of the Liberia National Police under the Ministry of Justice, the two men are accused of Criminal Solicitation, Criminal Conspiracy, Rioting, Failure to Disperse, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstructing Highways and Other Public Passages, in violation of Chapters 10 and 17 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.
Police say the alleged acts also resulted in Simple Assault, Criminal Mischief, Robbery, and Theft of Property, arising from violent encounters during and after the protest staged under the banner “LEAD OR LEAVE! (Enough is Enough)”.
The LNP stated that Morlu and Logan were charged in keeping with:
Section 10.3 (Criminal Solicitation),
Section 10.4 (Criminal Conspiracy),
Section 17.1 (Rioting and Failure to Disperse),
Section 17.3 (Disorderly Conduct), and
Section 17.7 (Obstructing Highways and Public Passages)
of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.
Investigators described Morlu as the “ring leader” and Logan as the “deputy ring leader” of the protest, alleging that they deliberately sat and congregated in major roadways near the University of Liberia, the Capitol Building, and the Executive Mansion, thereby obstructing vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Protest Turned Violent
According to police findings, the protest initially began peacefully, with demonstrators escorted from the STAND office in Congo Town by law enforcement officers.
However, authorities say the situation deteriorated when protesters refused police instructions to clear the streets while awaiting government officials to receive their petition.
Police allege that the defendants insisted on remaining in the streets until President Joseph N. Boakai personally received their petition, prompting law enforcement to intervene.
During the ensuing police action, some protesters reportedly fled into surrounding communities, including Jallah Town, where violent acts were allegedly committed.
Alleged Assaults, Robbery, and Property Damage
The charge sheet details several incidents in Jallah Town involving government vehicles and personnel from the Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) and the National Food Assistance Agency (NFAA). Authorities allege that protesters attacked vehicles, smashed windshields, injured occupants, and forcibly removed personal belongings and official items.
Among the items allegedly taken were mobile phones, cash, and several FIA checks, including salary and domestic travel checks totaling millions of Liberian dollars and thousands of United States dollars. Police say these acts constituted robbery, theft of property, and criminal mischief.
Victims reportedly sustained injuries, and government vehicles were severely damaged during the incidents.
Denial and Witness Claims
Police noted that although Morlu and Logan denied being present among protesters in Jallah Town, multiple victims and witnesses claimed they saw Morlu at the scene and among the group of protesters before the violence occurred.
Case Forwarded to Court
Following what police described as a thorough investigation, the LNP concluded that sufficient evidence exists to have the defendants answer to the charges in court.
The case has now been forwarded for judicial determination, while other suspects connected to the protest-related violence have been charged in absentia.
The charge sheet was signed by CIP Madison J. Larmie, Chief of the Special Investigation Unit; Superintendent Charles B. Masah, Jr., Chief of the Police Complaints Unit; and Chief Superintendent Varney G. Samah, Chief of the General Investigation Unit.
Court proceedings are expected to commence pending the judge’s disposition, as the case now shifts from police investigation to judicial review.
